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Melky battling through hamstring issues

5/5/13: Melky Cabrera sends a pitch over the wall in left-center for a solo shot in the fifth, his first homer in a Blue Jays uniform

By Gregor Chisholm
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MLB.com |

BOSTON -- Though Melky Cabrera has yet to miss a game this season, he continues to be plagued by hamstring issues in both of his legs.

Cabrera has been able to remain on the field but clearly has been affected by the nagging injuries. His range in left has been limited, and his ability to run the bases has been well below average.

The Blue Jays have attempted to give him some rest with occasional starts at designated hitter, but with both Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion splitting time at DH and first base, it's easier said than done.

"My legs are a little sore," Cabrera said through interpreter Luis Rivera. "My hamstrings are a little tight, but I'm going to give it whatever I have that day. I want to be in the lineup every day, no matter what. That's why I continue to play."

Despite the lingering soreness, Cabrera has begun to show some signs of life after a poor start to the year. He is hitting .311 with a .771 OPS with five RBIs and four extra-base hits this month.

That's a rather drastic improvement over his incredibly poor production during April. He began the year hitting just .241 with a .578 OPS in 27 games.

"I'm feeling better," he said. "I'm showing up early every day to get my work done in the cage, and I'm going to go out and continue to play hard.

"Nothing has changed. Nothing I'm doing different. I'm just continuing to work, and it's paying off now that I'm putting more work into it."